Healthcare is a cornerstone of any thriving society, shaping the well-being and productivity of individuals and communities alike. As the field evolves to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world, the demand for visionary leaders who can navigate complexities, drive innovation, and ensure patient-centric care has never been greater.
In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where healthcare systems are undergoing significant transformation, such leadership is pivotal. At the forefront of this evolution stands Dr. Rola Hammoud, a prominent figure in the healthcare industry, known for her transformative leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence. As the President of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) MENA, she has played a pivotal role in advancing healthcare leadership across the Middle East and North Africa. Her extensive career spans clinical practice, healthcare management, and governance, making her a leading voice in shaping the region’s healthcare landscape.
A Journey of Excellence
Dr. Hammoud’s journey began with a solid foundation in medicine. She pursued her medical degree in Europe, specifically in Belgium, and later specialized in anesthesiology at the prestigious American University of Beirut and the United Kingdom. Her time in the operating room fueled her passion for understanding and improving hospital operations.
“Working exclusively within hospitals, I became deeply curious about the underlying processes that impacted my work directly,” she shared. This curiosity led her to dive into hospital management, focusing on optimizing workflows, enhancing patient safety, and improving outcomes.
Driven by a passion for continuous improvement, Dr. Hammoud sought advanced credentials from renowned institutions such as Harvard Business School. “My dedication to performance improvement and leadership development propelled me to enhance my skills in hospital management, quality control, and corporate governance,” she explained. These qualifications have been instrumental in her ability to implement innovative solutions in healthcare organizations.
Transformational Leadership
Dr. Hammoud has significantly influenced healthcare leadership development. Her strategic vision centers on fostering leadership capabilities to address the region’s unique challenges. “During my tenure, our Board approved a comprehensive strategy focused on professional development, mentorship, and student guidance,” she noted.
Under her leadership, ACHE MENA expanded its footprint, extending its programs to countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The organization’s membership grew steadily, reflecting the increasing demand for leadership excellence. “Our goal is to equip healthcare leaders with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare systems,” she emphasized.
Dr. Hammoud’s initiatives prioritize addressing healthcare challenges through tailored training programs. “We ensure our training topics are relevant, tackling pressing issues such as resource management, patient safety, and healthcare innovation,” she stated. By fostering a collaborative environment, she has created a platform for knowledge exchange and professional growth.
Governance as the Backbone of Healthcare
Governance plays a crucial role in Dr. Hammoud’s leadership philosophy. With multiple international board certifications, she advocates for integrating clinical and corporate governance. “Healthcare governance must be robust, transparent, and ethically grounded,” she asserted.
She emphasizes that effective governance frameworks are essential for building trust and accountability within healthcare organizations. “A well-structured governance model ensures that all stakeholders—clinical and non-clinical—operate within a system of accountability, fairness, and transparency,” she explained.
Her expertise includes restructuring board frameworks and advising organizations on governance best practices. “Being certified in corporate governance has enabled me to guide organizations toward adopting ethical and effective governance structures,” she added. These efforts have had a profound impact on healthcare institutions, driving improvements in accountability and performance.
Patient Safety and High Reliability
Patient safety has been a cornerstone of Dr. Hammoud’s career. As an anesthesiologist, she witnessed firsthand the critical importance of safety protocols in delivering quality care. Her leadership in this area has been transformative.
At Clemenceau Medical Center, she chaired the Patient Safety & Risk Management Committee, where she embedded patient safety principles into the hospital’s culture. “We focused on proactive measures such as DVT prophylaxis, accurate patient identification, and involving patients in reporting safety incidents,” she recounted. These initiatives not only improved patient outcomes but also fostered a culture of safety.
In 2012, Dr. Hammoud founded the Lebanese Society for Quality & Safety in Healthcare. Through this platform, she collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Lebanese Ministry of Health to establish national patient safety goals in Lebanon. “Our work with the WHO and local health authorities helped set benchmarks for healthcare quality and safety,” she highlighted.
She is also a strong advocate for creating high-reliability organizations (HROs) in healthcare. “In HROs, we cultivate a culture that prioritizes vigilance, problem-solving, and resilience,” she explained. This approach ensures that healthcare institutions remain adaptive and proactive in the face of challenges.
Harnessing AI and Technology in Healthcare
Dr. Hammoud is at the forefront of integrating technology into healthcare. She recognizes the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. “AI is revolutionizing healthcare through applications in telemedicine, predictive analytics, and patient monitoring,” she observed.
She highlights that AI can improve patient outcomes by enabling personalized care plans and early interventions. “Analyzing patient data through AI allows for more precise diagnoses and tailored treatments,” she explained. Beyond clinical applications, AI also streamlines administrative tasks, freeing healthcare professionals to focus on patient care.
“Incorporating AI responsibly requires careful selection, thorough training, and a patient-centered approach”. Dr. Hammoud ensures that technology adoption within healthcare organizations aligns with ethical standards and enhances overall service delivery.
Contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a blueprint for transforming the country’s healthcare system, and Dr. Hammoud is a key contributor to this ambitious initiative that aims to elevate healthcare quality, accessibility, and innovation.
Her work today with Fakeeh Care Group aligns with the initiative’s goals by focusing on workforce development, infrastructure enhancement, and research advancement. “We are investing in talent development to ensure healthcare services are managed by skilled professionals,” she added.
She also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships and international collaborations in achieving these objectives. “These partnerships are essential for sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices,” she explained. Her leadership in this area is helping to shape a more robust and resilient healthcare system in Saudi Arabia.
Leading Through Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic was a watershed moment for healthcare systems worldwide. Dr. Hammoud’s leadership during this crisis showcased her ability to navigate uncertainty with resilience and agility. “The pandemic underscored the importance of adaptability and transparent communication,” she reflected.
She implemented proactive measures, including establishing clear goals and maintaining open lines of communication with her teams. “Celebrating small wins and fostering a sense of collective achievement kept morale high during challenging times,” she shared.
The lessons learned from the pandemic continue to inform her approach to leadership. “Building resilience and maintaining focus on patient care are critical in times of crisis,” she emphasized. Her efforts have strengthened healthcare organizations’ capacity to respond to future emergencies.
Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Dr. Hammoud is a staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has made it a priority to create inclusive work environments that celebrate cultural diversity. “Inclusivity is not just a value; it’s a strategic advantage,” she stated.
She advocates for regularly hosting cultural events and training sessions to promote understanding and collaboration among diverse teams. “These events help foster a culture of respect and inclusivity,” she explained.
She also serves as a mentor, offering guidance and support to emerging leaders. “Mentorship is a powerful tool for developing the next generation of healthcare professionals,” she noted. Her commitment to mentoring reflects her dedication to nurturing talent and promoting gender equity in leadership.
Leadership Insights for Aspiring Professionals
Dr. Hammoud offers valuable advice for those aspiring to leadership roles in healthcare. She emphasizes the importance of embracing change and innovation. “Healthcare is a dynamic field, and leaders must be open to new ideas and technologies,” she advised.
She also underscores the significance of effective communication, data-driven decision-making, and continuous learning. “Leadership is about making informed decisions and communicating them clearly to your team,” she noted.
Above all, she encourages leaders to act with empathy and integrity. “Keep patients at the center of every decision, and lead with compassion,” she concluded. Her leadership philosophy serves as a guiding light for those looking to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
